Nutrition and Cancer: Clear Liquids and Full Liquids

You may have some side effects during your cancer treatment, such as nausea or diarrhea. To help you deal with the side effects, you may need to limit your diet for short amounts of time. You will still need to drink fluids for nourishment, to quench your thirst, or to settle your stomach. There are two general types of liquids: clear and full. Don't limit yourself to liquids unless your doctors tell you to do so.

Clear liquids

Clear liquids may be very helpful if you have these side effects:

Loss of appetite

Constipation

Diarrhea

In general, clear liquids are liquids that are easy to see through and pour. A clear liquid diet does not provide enough nutrition. For this reason, it should only be followed for a short time to help control your symptoms from side effects of treatment. If you are having symptoms that will not allow you to eat or drink anything more than clear liquids, talk with your healthcare provider.

Clear liquids include:

Water

Bouillon

Clear, fat-free broth

Clear carbonated beverages

Consommé

Apple, cranberry, or grape juice

Flavored water

Fruit ices without fruit pieces or milk

Fruit-flavored drinks

Fruit punch

Hard candy

Honey

Jelly

Gelatin

Ice pops

Sports drinks

Tea

Clear nutritional drinks

Full liquids

Full liquids have more calories, protein, and nutrients than clear liquids. They can help meet your daily calorie and protein requirements. They are especially useful if you have a loss of appetite, vomiting, or weight loss. Full liquids include those that are easy to pour and/or can be sucked through a straw. Some liquids are considered both clear and full.

Full liquids include:

Bouillon

Broth

Soup that has been strained or put through a blender

Carbonated drinks

Coffee

Fruit drinks

Fruit punch

Milk

Milkshakes

Smoothies

Sports drinks

Tea

Tomato juice

Vegetable juice

Water

Custard (soft or baked)

Frozen yogurt

Fruit purees that are watered down

Gelatin

Honey

Ice cream with no chunks (such as nuts or cookie pieces)

Ice milk

Jelly

Pudding

Sherbet

Sorbet

Syrup

Yogurt (plain or vanilla)

Instant breakfast drinks

Liquid meal replacements

Clear nutrition drinks

Ask your healthcare provider if refined cooked cereals such as oatmeal and grits are allowed.